McCutchen’s return spoiled by Braves’ offensive explosion

August 20, 2014

PITTSBURGH - Andrew McCutchen slapped the ball to third base and prepared to put together another patent sprint to first.He barely made it out of the batter's box. Like the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the reigning National League MVP is spinning his wheels at the moment.McCutchen went 0 for 4 in his return from the disabled list as the Pirates fell to the surging Atlanta Braves 11-3 on Tuesday night for their seventh straight loss.While he reported no discomfort in his first game since fracturing rib cartilage on Aug. 3, McCutchen didn't exactly look crisp. In addition to his stumble ...

Bucs fighting through adversity

August 20, 2014

The Pittsburgh Pirates really aren't playing all that poorly right now.Yes, you read that correctly.I know that the Pirates lost 11-3 to the Braves on Tuesday night.I know that the Pirates have just dropped their seventh game in a row.I know that the Pirates keep slipping in the standings and could very well be out of the playoff race.But they really aren't playing all that badly right now, all things considered.Pittsburgh has had to deal with lingering injuries to position players Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, Jordy Mercer and Clint Barmes - household names for the past few seasons ...

Sac fly by Sanchez lifts Pirates over Braves

August 21, 2014

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates were looking for a way to break their seven-game losing skid.They got a little help when Justin Upton dropped a routine fly ball to left-centerfield in the ninth which set the stage for Gaby Sanchez's game-winning sacrifice fly that capped a late-inning comeback as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on Wednesday night."We try to pride ourselves on not being surprised by success," manager Clint Hurdle said. "To get the two to tie it up then some help and to win, yeah, it's a real nice shot in the arm."David Carpenter (4-4) took the ...

Harrison drives in 5, Pirates defeat Brewers

August 23, 2014

MILWAUKEE - Josh Harrison homered, doubled, singled and drove in a career-high five runs, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Milwaukee Brewers 8-3 Friday night.Andrew McCutchen also homered for Pittsburgh, which had lost nine of 12 going into the series against the NL Central-leading Brewers.Jeff Locke (5-3) pitched six strong innings, giving up two runs and two hits. He walked six, but was able to strand five runners.Yovani Gallardo (8-7) lasted just five innings, allowing six runs on eight hits and three walks.Ryan Braun's two-run homer in the first inning gave Milwaukee a 2-0 ...

Alvarez homers twice, Pirates beat Brewers 10-2

August 24, 2014

MILWAUKEE - Pedro Alvarez homered twice to break out of a 5-for-34 slump, and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 10-2 on Saturday night.Alvarez hit a three-run shot in the fourth inning and a solo drive in the fifth against starter Wily Peralta (15-8). Russell Martin also connected for a three-run homer off the right-hander, who held the Pirates hitless for 3 2-3 innings but quickly fell apart and exited after five.Pittsburgh starter Edinson Volquez (11-7) pitched out of trouble almost every inning to improve to 3-0 in five August starts. The right-hander allowed 11 hits ...

Brewers win finale

August 25, 2014

MILWAUKEE - Mike Fiers is happy to be pitching in the big leagues again in the middle of a pennant race, and he's not afraid to get a little emotional on the mound.Fiers extended his successful run since being called up from Triple-A, winning his fourth straight start after holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to two hits in seven innings in a 4-3 win Sunday.Approaching 100 pitches near the end of the seventh, Fiers yelled and pumped his right arm as he exited the mound after Pedro Alvarez lined to short for the third out."I knew that was probably going to be my last inning," Fiers said. "I'm ...